Entries by Peter D. Rosenstein

It is fascinating to read the columns about whether Hillary should or shouldn't, will or won't, use gender as an issue in her potential presidential campaign. Clearly this is striking a major chord with the press, but they are way behind the populace.

The Franklin School on the corner of 13th and K Street NW is an impressive building and one I often pass on my way to work. Over the years there have been many ideas for its use, from homeless shelter to community concert space to public meeting space to hotel....

With the outbreak of measles in the United States, we once again see a divide on how basic science and research are viewed by the leading members of the Republican and Democratic Parties. President Obama spoke out quickly and decisively. "There is every reason to get vaccinated, but there aren't...

The Grassroot Project (TGP) was started in 2009 by Tyler Spencer, an amazing young man and currently a Rhodes Scholar, whose vision was to use sports to educate at-risk youth in the community about HIV/AIDS awareness and education. He first saw this being done successfully using soccer on a trip...

"Compared to What? The Improbable Journey of Barney Frank," a pull-no-punches peek into Frank's personal and professional lives, began making the festival rounds last year, opening first at Tribeca before migrating West.

A certain southern political commentator and lead strategist on Bill Clinton's presidential campaign recently suggested the right-wing conspiracy Hillary Rodham Clinton once talked about is alive and well. He said they would be joined by self-described 'purist' liberals and the media all trying to bring down her potential bid for...

Thanks to a chance opportunity to meet a brilliant young man, Samuel Brinton, I have become fully aware of the horrors of "conversion therapy," sometimes called "reparative, therapy," where a therapist tries to change a person from gay to straight.

It is fascinating that in his seventh year in office, we are finally seeing the Barack Obama many people voted for. The goal of closing Guantanamo is back, as are the goals of taxing the rich to help the middle class and the poor; securing paid sick leave for all...

Recently the acting D.C. Insurance Commissioner signed an order instructing CareFirst, the area's largest health insurer, to reinvest $56 million in the community based on finding their reserve fund at the end of 2011 excessive. The problems with this order are many not the least being the decision is based...

It appears Jeb Bush is trying to resurrect his brother's version of compassionate conservatism when it comes to same-sex marriage and the LGBT community. He has now made various comments on the issue trying to please all sides. As a member of the LGBT community, I think it is crucial...

As we approach 2015 Hillary Rodham Clinton's thought process on declaring a run for president appears to include the words "what's the rush?" It is an approach apparently frustrating many in the Republican Party and the media who both can't wait to attack if and when she does announce. But...

Lack of an overriding message in 2014 speeded the Democratic Party down the path to their losses. Now Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) Chair of the DNC is asking people what they think went wrong. The question could be taken more seriously if she wasn't asking for more money at the...

Like all independent films getting Light Wounds made is not an easy task and it is only because of the dedication of individuals like director Max Leonida, actors and co-producers Jonathan Looper and Vadim Dardagani, and executive producer Franco Sama that it is being made at all. Leonida,...

Last week the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) affirmed in a number of ways that ensuring the rights of LGBT individuals around the world is a part of their mission. At the Global Conference on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights and Inclusive Development held this year in the...

In a recent IJReview column Larry O'Connor reported that "Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) delivered a post-election video message to her fellow Democrats and donors and it was not very upbeat." She said "Our party has a problem as she laid out the party's plan for a "top...

The world is facing an unprecedented Ebola outbreak. According to the Guardian the pandemic has already claimed nearly 5000 lives and infected over 10,000 people, predominantly in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. Containing it will require sustained international leadership and cooperation so...

We talk a lot about the Citizens United case, in which the Supreme Court opened up the money spigot for campaigns. Many believed it was going to give an incredible advantage to the Republican Party. It turned out that didn't quite happen. Nevertheless it was an outrageous decision and more...